FCA: The Relentless Devotional For CompetitorsSample

Serve Like Christ

Rick Randazzo

READY:

“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.” –Matthew 20:28

SET:

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, hockey was my sport. And as seasons went by, I started getting recognized for my ability. In high school, I played on multiple teams, winning two national championships and a gold medal at the Empire State games. My senior year, I captained my team to a perfect 40-win season, which resulted in the National Junior B Championship.

Though, as I look back, I find myself asking, “Was I the leader that my teammates and coaches deserved? Was I following Christ’s example of how He led His team of disciples here on earth?”

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of a servant-leader, and He illustrates this for us throughout the Gospels. As you read in the verse above (Matt. 20:28), Jesus didn’t come to be served Himself; He came to serve and to give up His life. Let’s think about that for a moment. Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth to serve others. The King of the universe—the one who sits at the right hand of the Father (Matt. 22:44)—came to earth to serve instead of being served Himself. Pretty humbling.

Over the years, I have come to realize that I would have been a better teammate and leader if I would have spent more time serving my teammates and coaches like Christ. Serving others shows them how much we love them, and moreover that Christ loves them. By leading as a servant, we are being obedient to what Jesus has instructed us to do through His Word and His example.

GO:

1. How do you serve your family, coaches, teammates and friends?
2. How do you serve your enemies?
3. What are some new ways to serve those on your team?

WORKOUT:

Mark 12:31
Luke 23:32-34
John 13:1-17

OVERTIME:

Christ, help me to humbly serve and give of myself for the benefit of others. Amen.

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